The race is on to recognise the unsung heroes of north east Wales – those volunteers, community organisations and charitable groups that make a positive difference to people’s lives.
The High Sheriff of Clwyd, Celia Jenkins, is calling for nominations of individuals and groups who deserve recognition for their community work.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the High Sheriff of Clwyd Community Awards at the Catrin Finch Centre, Wrexham, which strives to showcase the excellent voluntary work carried out across the region.
Mrs Jenkins, from Llangollen, said: “I have visited many organisations in this part of Wales. Every day I learn something new and reinforce my knowledge of just how many people contribute regularly.
“Money is one thing but what really matters of course is relationships. It’s those individuals’ efforts, made every day, to improve the lot of their fellow men and women that are really important in society.
“I am delighted to host the High Sheriff’s Awards and to recognise people without whom so much of what we take for granted would literally fall apart.”
Nominations for the awards will be categorised within the four Community Voluntary Councils: Denbighshire Voluntary Service Council, Flintshire Local Voluntary Council, AVOW (Wrexham) and Conwy Voluntary Service Council.
“If you know of people who deserve recognition for their efforts, in whatever sphere, do please put their name forward for consideration,” added Mrs Jenkins.
“I know the competition will be stiff and I am looking forward to visiting, if at all possible, those who are short-listed for an award.”
The awards will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Catrin Finch Centre, Glyndwr University, Wrexham.
Anyone can make a nomination, as long as they are not related to, or a partner of the person they are nominating.
All nominations must received by January 31 2014, and can be made by contacting your local Community Voluntary Council:
Denbighshire – 01824 702441/ email [email protected];
Flintshire – 01352 744000/ email [email protected] ;
Wrexham – 01978 312556/ email [email protected]
Conwy – 01492 534091/ email [email protected]
Last year’s awards held at Theatre John Ambrose, Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin, saw a number of awards for individuals, groups and businesses on behalf of partner organisations including Crimebeat, Community Foundation in Wales, Business Supporting Communities and the County Voluntary Councils.
The well attended awards saw some exceptional people and projects recognised, such as the winners of the Crimebeat awards, Us Unltd, a project which has helped to give young people in the region valuable educational and business skills.
Many of the project volunteers have been homeless or socially excluded and more than 50 per cent have gone on to secure full-time employment.
The young volunteers in Flintshire Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Team were also recognised for their work helping their peers understand more about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.
Their film (on DVD) is now being used in schools and youth clubs across Flintshire.
Another recipient of a Crimebeat Award was Broughton Graffiti project. Led by PCSO Jason Knowles and artist Andy Birch, the project enabled younger and older residents of Broughton and Bretton to work together on a graffiti mural that depicted the aerospace history of the area.
The project was also supported by Airbus, the Community Council, and Welsh Government; the resulting mural can be seen on the Broughton underpass.
There were also awards presented on behalf of Business Supporting Communities (B2C) including John Helm, technical director at HSS Hire and his team who have been proactive in helping their local community with hands on volunteer days, improving community gardens in Flintshire and Wrexham.
Individual awards were also presented on behalf of the region’s Voluntary Service Councils.
Flintshire Local Voluntary Council’s award went to Mrs Derryn Blanchard for her inspirational leadership and organisation of the Holywell Autumn Club. The Club provides activities and support for the elderly in the area, preventing isolation and loneliness among vulnerable older people.
AVOW in Wrexham recognised Louise Bollington for her commitment and dedication to providing counselling to Carers in Wrexham, offering them the chance to offload the stresses and strains that caring can have on their emotional well-being.
Denbighshire Voluntary Service Council honoured Dr Christine Evans for her outstanding contribution to Llanarmon yn Ial, including helping to establish the Llanarmon & District Youth Club, support the village shop and pub and many other activities which have ensured the village has kept its heart and community pride.